Yellow-Legged Gull (1 Viewer)

[vgarland]

I took this photograph today in Dundalk, Ireland, assuming it to be a Lesser Black-backed Gull (Image 1). However, I also include a shot of a Lesser Black-backed Gull from a couple of years ago in the same place (Image 2). As you can see, the gull from today is much lighter in colour, suggesting Yellow-legged Gull?

Are there any other distinguishing features I could check? It may simply be that the light was better today!


Best regards

Victor Garland.

 

[Butty]

It may simply be that the light was better today!

Yup - sunny today, in shade/cloud in your earlier pic. And exposure differences will have similar effects.

 

[Richard D]

Yellow Legs have a much more bulbous head than Lesser Black Backed.

 

[vgarland]

Are you confirming Yellow-legged?

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Victor,

no both are Lesser Black-backed Gull, as Butty and Richard have already said.
Adding the reasons given from Butty for the different shades/darkness value of the mantle, please note, that LBBG varies in mantle colour: interesting paper from Andreas Noeske Club300 Germany

 

[vgarland]

Thanks - my confusion! I appreciate the help!

Best regards - Victor